Tonal sneaker designs have advanced so far in both number and sophistication over the past few years, and while much of these gains have come on super-simple lifestyle sneaker, select performance models like the Nike LeBron 9 Low manage to also be showcases for this relatively new color expression. The LeBron 9 Low shows us that tonal can mean red-on-red as in the case of the Team and Challenge Red edition coming up this summer, or add a degree of complexity like this Vivid Orange and Cherry design whose two main colors’ shared reliance upon reflecting red light is echoed by the split coloring of their shared Max Air cushion. This has them ending up closer to a dish of rainbow sherbet than the ‘Bubblicious’ nickname some have bestowed upon this vibrant design, but you could even stretch to call these a ‘Cinco de Mayo’, because May 5th indeed marks the US release date. Photos: SM
Nike LeBron 9 Low
Vivid Orange/Cherry
510811-800
05/05/12
$150